Apple Streusel Pie: A Symphony of Spiced Apples and Buttery Crumbs

Indulge in the comforting embrace of autumn with our Apple Streusel Pie, a dessert that encapsulates the essence of the season. This delectable creation marries the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping, resulting in a pie that’s not just a treat for the taste buds but a celebration of fall’s bounty. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the core ingredients, master the art of pie-making, and discover variations that elevate this classic dessert.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Pie Crust Preparation:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Roll Out Crust: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the crust into the dish, trimming any excess.

Apple Filling Assembly:

5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
7. Fill Pie Crust: Arrange the apple mixture in the prepared pie crust, mounding it slightly in the center.

Streusel Topping:

8. Make Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oats, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
9. Top the Pie: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface.

Baking and Finishing:

10. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve slices on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Cook Notes

• Apple Variety: Experiment with a mix of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala for a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Avoid a Soggy Crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or finely ground nuts on the crust before adding the apple filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Let It Set: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set, making it easier to achieve neat slices.

Variations

Caramel Drizzle:

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked pie for an extra layer of sweetness.

Nutty Addition:

Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for a delightful crunch.

Cranberry Twist:

Add a cup of fresh or dried cranberries to the apple filling for a burst of tartness.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Almond Flour Crust:

Replace the traditional crust with one made from a mixture of almond flour, butter, and a low-carb sweetener.

Sugar Substitute:

Swap granulated and brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener in both the apple filling and streusel topping.

Coconut Flour Streusel:

Use coconut flour in the streusel topping for a low-carb alternative with a hint of coconut flavor.

In conclusion, the Apple Streusel Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a testament to the beauty of fall, the warmth of spices, and the joy of savoring seasonal ingredients. With its flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly streusel topping, this pie is a celebration of flavors and textures that perfectly complement each other.

May your kitchen be filled with the enticing aroma of baked apples and cinnamon, and your table adorned with a pie that speaks of tradition and indulgence. Share it with loved ones during holidays, family gatherings, or quiet evenings by the fireplace—because the Apple Streusel Pie isn’t just a dish; it’s a piece of culinary art that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Here’s to the joy of baking, the warmth of fall, and the satisfaction found in a slice of Apple Streusel Pie that captures the essence of the season. So, savor each bite, appreciate the layers of flavor, and relish in the timeless pleasure that comes with creating and enjoying this classic dessert!